Who we are and our values

The Bar is a strong and independent profession of advocates
whose existence is vital to the maintenance of the Rule of Law. It
encompasses both self-employed and employed practitioners. It
exists to serve the public and is crucial to the administration of
justice.

Barristers enable people to uphold their legal rights. They
'speak truth to power', whether to Government or mighty
corporations. Their role is to speak fearlessly on behalf of their
clients, some of whom may be among the poorest and most vulnerable
in society. Barristers must discharge their duties irrespective of
their views of the client or the client's case, no matter how
unpopular they may be. They must act without regard to commercial
or group interests. They have a duty to the court to ensure that
justice is served by full disclosure and presentation of all
relevant authorities, which is a duty which overrides their duty to
their clients.

The Bar makes a vital contribution to the efficient operation of
criminal and civil courts. It provides a pool of talented men and
women from diverse backgrounds from which a significant proportion
of the judiciary is drawn, on whose independence the Rule of Law
and our democratic way of life depend.

The Bar Council represents approximately 16,000 practising
employed and self-employed barristers in England and Wales, and a
further 7,200 non-practising barristers in this jurisdiction and
overseas. It is a membership organisation which promotes the Bar's
high quality specialist advocacy and advisory services; fair access
to justice for all; the highest standards of ethics, equality and
diversity across the profession; and the development of business
opportunities for barristers at home and abroad.

Under the Legal Services Act 2007, the Bar Council is also the
Approved Regulator (AR) of the Bar of England and Wales. It
discharges its regulatory functions through the independent Bar
Standards Board (BSB). This Strategic Plan is consistent with the
BSB's own Strategic Plan.

Our values

All of our work will be firmly underpinned by the values we
embrace: fairness, respect, integrity, excellence and value for
money.